Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You? Aruba, Grand Cayman, Dominica, Jamaica & More

Not all Caribbean islands are created equal — and finding the right one can make or break your vacation. In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie from Wonder and Beyond Travel break down the best Caribbean islands based on your travel style, so you can stop scrolling Pinterest and start planning.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Best for First-Timers: Aruba — Why this easy, English-speaking island with predictable weather and US pre-clearance is the perfect Caribbean introduction. Plus, why you won't find a great all-inclusive resort there (and why that's actually a good thing).

Best for Families with Young Kids: Grand Cayman — Calm, shallow waters at Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, the Cayman Turtle Centre, and short airport transfers make this the ultimate stress-free family getaway.

Best for Adventure Seekers: Dominica — The Caribbean's most untouched island offers rainforest hikes, geothermal snorkeling at Champagne Reef, canyoning, whale watching, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Not for the beach-and-pool crowd — and that's the point.

Best for Foodies: Jamaica — Jerk chicken from roadside grills, Blue Mountain coffee tours, rum tastings, farm-to-table resorts, and some of the most vibrant culinary culture in the Caribbean. Ryan and Julie also share their top resort picks including Half Moon and GoldenEye.

Bonus: Honorable mentions for best beaches, including Turks & Caicos in summer vs. the Dominican Republic in winter — and why Roatan, Honduras might be the Caribbean's most underrated destination.

Ryan and Julie also share an exciting client story: an all-concierge Disney Wish cruise for a multigenerational family, and a sneak peek at next week's episode on Iceland.

Whether you're a nervous first-timer, a parent wrangling toddlers, a thrill-seeker, or a passionate foodie — there's a Caribbean island with your name on it. Tune in and find yours.

🌐 Ready to book? Visit WonderAndBeyondTravel.com

All Things Travel is hosted by Ryan and Julie, co-owners of Wonder and Beyond Travel, specializing in family travel, Disney vacations, and Caribbean getaways.

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Wrapping up our comprehensive Cruising 101 series, travel advisors Ryan and Julie tackle the most stressful part of your cruise vacation—disembarkation—plus essential cruise tips every first-time cruiser needs to know. Whether you're sailing Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or any major cruise line, this episode will help you navigate the final day and maximize your entire cruise experience.

Disembarkation Demystified: Learn what disembarkation really means and how the scheduled departure process works. Discover the truth about assigned boarding groups and departure times—including why you don't have to rush off the ship. Get expert advice on crew-assisted versus self-assist luggage options, including when to put your bags outside your stateroom and what to keep with you overnight.

Customs, Immigration & Flight Timing: Navigate the customs and immigration process at cruise ports like Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale with confidence. Understand why you should never book a flight before noon on disembarkation day, even if your ship docks at 6 AM. Learn about potential delays including weather, customs clearance, traffic, and airport lines that are completely outside your control.

Critical Final Day Tips: Review your onboard bill before the last night to catch any discrepancies early and avoid long customer service lines on disembarkation morning. Understand when gratuities are charged and how overnight charges process. Know what large purchases might need to be declared at customs, from jewelry to casino winnings.

Essential Cruise Tips for First-Timers: Maximize limited stateroom space with collapsible bags, over-the-door organizers, magnetic hooks, and pop-up hampers. Learn which cruise app features work without wifi packages and how to use them for reservations and information. Understand the difference between "cost to get on the ship" versus "cost to get off the ship" and avoid common pricing mistakes with specialty coffee packages and other extras.

Avoiding Cruise Burnout: Pace yourself on excursion-heavy itineraries and recognize that a quiet balcony moment or afternoon nap can be as memorable as a shore excursion. Discover strategies for families to balance activity with downtime, including the "switch-off" method for personal relaxation time.

Smart Cruise Planning: Understand why cabin location, itinerary flow, ship style, and onboard culture all matter when choosing your cruise. Learn why price and value are completely separate considerations and how booking the right cruise for your travel style makes all the difference.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
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Ready to board your first cruise? In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie guide you through Cruising 102—everything you need to know from booking to embarkation and beyond. Whether you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or another major cruise line, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the entire pre-cruise and onboard experience with confidence.

Pre-Cruise Planning Essentials: Learn the critical timeline for cruise preparation, including when to book pre-cruise hotels, secure shore excursions in destinations like Skagway and Juneau, and confirm dining reservations. Discover why arriving a day early at ports like Port Canaveral is essential and how to manage final payments, travel protection, and online check-in procedures three months before sailing.

Embarkation Day Mastery: Get insider tips on what embarkation really means and how to board your ship smoothly. From printing luggage tags to tipping porters, avoiding crowded buffets, and touring the kids club, you'll learn strategies to start your cruise vacation stress-free. Find out when your stateroom will be ready and what to do while waiting for luggage to arrive.

Onboard Experience Tips: Maximize your cruise vacation by exploring signature dining options beyond the main dining room, experiencing popular activities during off-peak times, and finding the perfect balance between FOMO (fear of missing out) and JOMO (joy of missing out). Learn about formal nights, dress codes, and when to disembark early at private islands for the best beach chairs and quieter pools.

Important Reminders: Verify your passport expiration dates (must be valid six months beyond return), notify your bank about international travel, understand prohibited items lists, and pack cruise-specific essentials like magnetic hooks and lanyards. Don't forget to download your cruise line app for schedules, favorites, and alerts.

Whether you're planning an Alaskan cruise, Caribbean getaway, or European voyage, this episode covers Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and general cruising advice. Perfect for first-time cruisers and families looking to optimize their cruise vacation experience.

Tune in next week for Cruising 103, where Ryan and Julie cover disembarkation procedures and final cruise tips!

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Planning your first cruise can feel overwhelming, but travel advisors Ryan and Julie break down the entire process in this comprehensive beginner's guide. In this first episode of their three-part Cruising 101 series, they cover the essential planning steps you need to take before booking your cruise vacation.

Starting with choosing your travel dates, Ryan and Julie discuss key factors including celebrations and milestones, work and school schedules, and special themed cruises like Halloween on the High Seas or Marvel Days at Sea. They share important timing considerations, from Wave Season promotions to age-specific requirements that could impact your vacation experience.

The hosts then dive into selecting the right ship and itinerary for your needs. For first-time cruisers, they recommend specific cruise lines: Virgin Voyages, Princess, Celebrity, or smaller Royal Caribbean ships for adults, and Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean for families. They explain why mid-size ships often work better than mega-ships for beginners, preventing that overwhelming feeling while still offering plenty of activities.

Itinerary selection varies by destination. For Caribbean cruises, they suggest 4-5 night sailings with stops at private islands like CocoCay or Castaway Cay. European and Mediterranean cruises require careful consideration of specific ports, pre- and post-cruise stays, and whether you prefer one-way or roundtrip sailings. Alaska cruises demand attention to port stops like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau, each offering unique excursions from glacier viewing to whale watching.

River cruising receives special attention, with recommendations for European rivers like the Rhine and Danube as ideal starting points, before expanding to destinations in the United States, Africa, or South America. The episode concludes with a preview of parts two and three, which will cover preparing for your cruise and the embarkation/onboard experience.

Whether you're completely new to cruising or looking to plan your next voyage, this episode provides practical, expert advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie from Wonder and Beyond Travel as they break down the best of Walt Disney World for both families and adults. Whether you're planning a magical vacation with kids or an adults-only getaway, this episode covers everything you need to know to make the most of your Disney experience.

For Families:

• Best resorts: Art of Animation (value), Caribbean Beach (moderate), Polynesian and Beach Club (deluxe)
• Top parks: Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios lead the way for family fun
• Dining recommendations including quick service favorites like Connections Cafe at Epcot and Pecos Bill's at Magic Kingdom
• Character dining gems like Garden Grill, Tusker House, and the newly reopened 1900 Park Fare
• Must-do attractions from Dumbo to Toy Story Mania
• Hidden dining treasures including Topolino's Terrace and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

For Adults:

• Best resorts: Pop Century (value), Caribbean Beach and Gran Destino Tower (moderate), Riviera and Boardwalk (deluxe)
• Focus parks: Epcot and Hollywood Studios for the perfect adult Disney experience
• Dining highlights from Yorkshire County Fish Shop to Hollywood Brown Derby
• Hidden gems like Toledo tapas restaurant and the Wine Cellar at Epcot's Italy pavilion
• Top attractions including Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Tower of Terror
• Pro tip: Use the clock to your advantage by starting late and taking advantage of extended evening hours

The hosts also discuss the growing trend of "why-cations" - designing trips based on your purpose and desires - and share real client stories that showcase the personalized touches that make vacations truly memorable.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Wondering when to book your dream vacation to get the best value? In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the real cost differences between peak season and off-season travel—and the savings might surprise you.

Travel advisors Ryan and Julie, co-owners of Wonder and Beyond Travel, analyze three popular vacation types to show you exactly how much you can save by adjusting your travel dates. They compare actual pricing for peak versus shoulder season travel, helping you make informed decisions about when to book your next adventure.

What You'll Learn:

• The true definition of peak season, off-season, and shoulder season travel
• Advantages and disadvantages of traveling during different times of year
• Real price comparisons for three popular vacation styles
• How the academic calendar drives pricing at family destinations
• Why hurricane season affects Caribbean and Alaska cruise pricing
• Tips for maximizing savings on cruises, European tours, and all-inclusive resorts

Featured Destination Comparisons:

1. Alaska Cruise - Celebrity Cruises 7-night Inside Passage (savings up to $1,300+ per couple)
2. Ireland Adventure - 8-9 night guided tour including Dublin, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and more (savings up to $2,000 per couple)
3. All-Inclusive Resort - Sandals Royal Bahamian with club-level perks (savings strategies and hurricane season considerations)

Ryan and Julie discuss important trade-offs to consider, including weather conditions, crowd levels, resort refurbishments, and availability of attractions and restaurants during off-peak times. They also share how flexibility with travel dates—especially for all-inclusive vacations—can significantly impact your bottom line.

Whether you're planning a cruise, international adventure, or beach getaway, this episode gives you the tools to balance your budget with your vacation priorities and find the perfect time to travel for your family.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Join Ryan and Julie from Wonder and Beyond Travel for their milestone 300th episode as they break down the best cruises for every type of traveler. Whether you're a first-timer or seeking deep cultural immersion, this comprehensive guide will help you find your ideal cruise experience.

What You'll Discover:

Best Cruises for First-Time Cruisers: Looking for familiar destinations with clear daily routines and minimal stress? Perfect options include:

• River Cruising: Viking River Cruises (adults-only calm energy, straightforward inclusions) and AMA Waterways (small ships, intuitive layouts, guided touring included)
• Ocean Cruising: Celebrity Cruises (modern design, balanced activities), Princess Cruises (strong Alaska partnerships, clear experiences), and Royal Caribbean (variety of ships and activities)

Best Cruises for Immersive Exploration: For travelers who want destinations to take center stage with meaningful, unhurried experiences:

• Riviera Travel: Elegant European-style river cruising timed to special events (tulip season, Oktoberfest)
• Azamara Cruises: Longer port stays and overnight stops for true destination immersion, plus signature "AzAmazing Evenings"
• Lindblad Expeditions: Deep exploration to Alaska, Galapagos, and Antarctica with naturalists and experts onboard

Best Value Cruises: Understanding what's included and maximizing your return on investment:

• River Options: AMA Waterways and Viking (nearly all-inclusive experiences)
• Ocean Options: Royal Caribbean (wide variety for families and groups), Disney Cruise Line (premium service eliminates mental load for parents)
• Domestic: American Cruise Lines (U.S. rivers, nearly all-inclusive, drive-to embarkation)

Bonus Feature: Julie shares an exciting Ireland trip she planned around a Luke Combs concert at Slane Castle, including Guinness tours, Jameson Distillery, and unique experiences like a sheepdog demonstration at a thousand-year-old fort.

This episode celebrates finding the cruise style that matches your travel personality—not ranking cruise lines, but helping you discover where you belong on the water. Perfect for anyone considering their first cruise or looking to try a different cruise experience.

Episode 300 of All Things Travel, hosted by Ryan and Julie, your travel experts from Wonder and Beyond Travel

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Join Ryan and Julie from Wonder and Beyond Travel as they take you on a delicious journey around Epcot at Walt Disney World, sharing their top recommendations for snacks, meals, and drinks that will make your visit unforgettable.

What You'll Discover:

Table Service Highlights:

• Chefs de France - Traditional French cuisine with prefix options including French onion soup and beef bourguignon
• Le Cellier (Canada Pavilion) - Famous for signature poutine, Wagyu steak tartare, and sauce flights
• Katsura Grill (Japan) - Affordable, impressive sushi and rice bowls
• Space 220 - Unique galactic dining experience with theatrical food presentation
• Takumi-Tei - Seven-course chef's table experience for true foodies

Quick Service Favorites:

• Yorkshire County Fish Shop - The hosts' favorite spot in all of Walt Disney World for fish and chips, plus great fireworks viewing
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse - Authentic American BBQ with amazing sauces
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie - French pastries and sandwiches, open before World Showcase

Must-Try Drinks:

• Tipsy Ducks in Love at Joy of Tea (Ryan's favorite drink in all of Disney World!)
• Margaritas at Choza de Margarita
• La Cava del Tequila experiences

Festival Food Roundup: Complete guides to dining at all four Epcot festivals:

• Festival of the Arts (January-February) - Artistically presented dishes
• Flower and Garden Festival (Spring-Early Summer) - Fresh produce highlights
• Food and Wine Festival (Summer-Fall) - The original and most extensive
• Festival of the Holidays (November-December) - International holiday traditions

Whether you're planning your first Epcot visit or you're a seasoned Disney veteran, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you eat your way around the world. Perfect for foodies, families, and anyone looking to make the most of their Disney dining experience.

Featured Countries: France, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Morocco, Italy, Germany, UK, and more!

Hosted by Ryan and Julie, your travel experts from Wonder and Beyond Travel

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!